JOHN HUGHES admits his side lacked imagination as they slumped to a defeat at Kilmarnock but insisted he'll never criticise his players.

JOHN HUGHES is convinced his Inverness players will benefit in the long run from losing to Kilmarnock.

The manager felt his side dominated at Rugby Park, although the truth is they were outplayed from start to finish.

The Highlanders have won just once in seven matches under Hughes since he replaced Terry Butcher.

They are unrecognisable from the outfit who did so well under the previous management but the new boss insists that’s part of his master plan.

He said: “I felt we dominated for most of the match but goals do change games. You learn from it and this might be the best thing that’s happened to us. Even in defeat you’ll never hear me criticise these boys. They train wonderfully and give it everything they’ve got and they’re gutted in that dressing room.

“But sometimes you have to take one on the chin to come back a better side.

“I’ve been in the game a long time and know what I am doing.

“We lacked a little bit of imagination to break them down but you have to give them some credit for that. Our effort and commitment was fantastic.

“However, we need to be a little bit more streetwise. Their second goal came just as we were getting back on top.”